Think only TED-Talk-giving CEOs need to worry about public speaking? In this digital age, speaking skills are more important than ever, says John West, head of speech coaching at New York Speech Coaching.

“If you want to ensure career advancement, get better at public speaking,” he says. “We get calls from employers and executives all the time describing the degree to which they have ‘great faith in Jane’s ability, but her communication skills are holding her back.’ ”

Seventy percent of Americans think that presentation skills are critical to their success at work, according to a survey done by the Harris Poll and presentation company Prezi. But 20 percent of respondents also said they would do almost anything to avoid giving a presentation, even if it meant “losing respect” in the workplace.

From a one-on-one with your boss to a make-or-break pitch presentation, here’s how to master public speaking of all types in the office.

A big pitch to potential clients or investors

Imagine that you’re in your clients’ shoes, suggests West. What are their skepticisms? Are they valid? “You can establish credibility by acknowledging aloud what they are thinking,” he says. “This can help with humor and authenticity as well. Too often we focus on what we want to say, as opposed to what the audience wants to hear.”

And what do they want to hear? The word “you,” says Jezra Kaye, president of the consultancy Speak Up for Success. “No one will buy it if they don’t understand how it will benefit them, their team or their organization. Be clear about how positive the impact of your proposal is on their organization.”

But don’t go overboard. Michael Parker, a top pitch coach in the UK and author of the book, “It’s Not What You Say, It’s the Way You Say It!” (Vermilion, out now), suggests making your promise and then giving no more than three arguments to back up your claims. This will keep the pitch simple but still emotionally intense.

Presenting in front of a large group of co-workers

Since everyone shares the same institutional knowledge, get to the point quickly, Parker says. If you’re talking about an action plan, use the word “we” to show that you have your own skin in the game, adds Kaye. And be careful how you frame the information. For example, if you are giving sales goals, you want them to seem achievable, says public-speaking coach Stephanie Silverman. You might say, “Our company has a proud history of meeting and exceeding goals for each year. Given that we were able to achieve 15 percent over our goal in 2015, I’m inspired to believe we can go 20 percent over our goal this year.”

A casual one-on-one conversation with your boss

“It’s never going to be casual,” says Parker — at least, for you. “Your boss will make it casual, and for him it is a casual conversation. But for you, it may be an opportunity that comes up once every few months.”

When setting up the meeting, present your request in a way that makes it easy for your boss to say yes to a one-on-one. For example: “I have ideas that will add value to a part of the business. I can give you everything you need to know about it in 15 minutes. When would be a good time to talk?” That way you’ve established what you’re asking, and what your boss will get out of it, Silverman says.

In the actual meeting, Kaye advises: “Be brief, be bold, be gone.” Be conversational and straightforward, too. Start with the most important statement or question, and observe your boss’ reaction to gauge how much elaboration he or she wants to hear.

A job interview

West suggests projecting “relaxed enthusiasm” and letting your personality shine — selectively. “I would never suggest being a robot,” he says. “Be balanced and don’t be splashy. Smile and be pleasant and treat them like a person.” But since people find different things charming, try not to stray toofar from the center or you risk being off-putting.

If a hard question comes up, answer it with positive honesty. For example, don’t say you left your last job because your boss was a micromanager. Instead, mention that you’re looking for a new role where you can hone your leadership skills.